pipesandcigars.com Match Blue Boar

I ordered this one a year or two ago after visiting with blender Russ O. at the Las Vegas Show where he was discussing some of his match blends with other pipers. Since my table was next to his, I could eavesdrop without appearing to do so.

It has been eons since I tried the original and judging this one one its own merit, well, it was downright good! I liked the light hand peekaboo of the Latakia employed and the depth of the slightly sweet and not very stout Virginia worked well together, and stayed out of the way of the nutty presentation of the Burley. Sort of an all day smoke for those who enjoy the laid back American style English of days gone by.

I have never smoked the original Blue Boar, so I cannot do a comparison. I find this tobacco to be smooth and mellow. It's easy to smoke and stays lit well enough. I taste a toasty, woody, sweetness with the latakia in the background and not overwhelming as many latakia blends are. There is a subtle but pleasant nuttiness that seems to come and go throughout the smoke. The sweetness has a dark fruitiness to it that's pleasant and mild. Easily repeatable and mild enough to be an all day smoke. I will give this 3 stars.

Very straightforward bold burley mixture with some Latakia smokey aroma and lots of tangy bright Virginia. The toasted burley is the key star and nutty.

Not very smooth but there is no bite, sometimes comes a touch of harsh edge.

Not bad. Two and a half stars.

I never smoked the original, so this is not a comparison. The aroma from the pouch was chocolate. The notes from P&C said it contains Latakia. It must be a very small percentage of the mixture as I couldn't detect any. What does seem dominant is "black Cavendish". (In hindsight it was almost reminiscent of Captain Black White.)

I am somewhat surprised by this blend as it is IMO fantastic. I have never smoked the original. The burleys are never bitter and add good body to the smoke. The Virginia adds the sweetness that keeps the smoke interesting. The latakia is lightly applied enough to remind you it's there. I could swear there is a topping, but according to the formula there isn't. If pushed the bottom third of the bowl can be harsh but slow smoking is the ticket. Packs easy and burns clean. For the price you can't go wrong. I've smoked this in all sized pipes and it seems to make no difference. Set it and forget it. Highly recommended for the simpler things in life.

Lager

Never smoked the original, so this is all about the Match Blend. Pretty much a traditional American Codger blend with burley of various types leading the way. The Virginia adds a bit of sweet and hay while the Latakia gives it a little campfire appeal. All day smoke, with no bite. Lights and burns well. Consistent flavor throughout the process. Well done Russ, but I would not expect anything else. Oh yes, It ages well and becomes mellow with aging!